A final look at the Carolina Panthers defense and special teams performances over the regular season…
It can easily be argued the Carolina Panthers managed their eighth playoff appearance behind a dominant defense. Statistically the best in the league at one point, new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’ unit enjoyed a smooth transition under his leadership.
Earning a reputation for bringing pressure, Wilks employed a consistent defensive line rotation in an effort to keep all of his players fresh throughout an entire game. This method ensures the pressure continues in the fourth quarter where others may be wearing down or losing stamina.
Defensive lineman Julius Peppers has thrived in this scenario. Registering his most sacks since 2012 with 11, Peppers notched his tenth double-digit sack season. Behind him, linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly continue to anchor one of the best groups in all of football.
Following is a look at the grades earned by each defensive unit and special teams over the entire regular season.
Defensive Line: 87, B
A at 49ers, B vs. Bills, C vs. Saints, C+ at Patriots
A at Lions, C- vs. Eagles, A at Bears, A at Bucs
B+ vs. Falcons, B- vs. Dolphins, A at Jets, B- at Saints
A vs. Vikings, B vs. Packers, A vs. Buccaneers, B at Falcons
The Panthers defensive line has performed well all season leading the way and allowing for linebackers Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson room to operate behind them. Their worst performance came against NFC top seed, Philadelphia on a Thursday night.
Led by veterans Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson on the outside, both Mario Addison and Wes Horton have developed into consistent and reliable playmakers. Inside, Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short control the middle with rotational snaps taken by Kyle Love.
Last year’s first-round pick Vernon Butler has also seen increased playing time along the defensive line, continuing his development and increasing his productivity late in the season.
Linebacker: 86, B
A at 49ers, A vs. Bills, B- vs. Saints, B at Patriots
C+ at Lions, C- vs. Eagles, A at Bears, A at Bucs
A- vs. Falcons, B vs. Dolphins, B at Jets, C- at Saints
B+ vs. Vikings, B vs. Packers, B- vs. Buccaneers, B at Falcons
Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis have been cornerstones of the Panthers defense for years but this season saw the emergence of Shaq Thompson in a more productive role. Given increased responsibility under Wilks, Thompson adds to the overall dynamic of an extremely impressive group.
Despite each missing some amount of time for various injuries and suspension, the linebacker group enjoyed solid production all year long. Backups David Mayo and Ben Jacobs filled in at times in addition to those in the defensive backfield replacing Thompson’s big nickel role that Wilks employs.
As Davis nears retirement, don’t be surprised to see interim general manager Marty Hurney target another young linebacker to join this group next season.
Secondary: 78, C+
B at 49ers, B- vs. Bills, D+ vs. Saints, C at Patriots
B- at Lions, C vs. Eagles, B at Bears, A at Bucs
C+ vs. Falcons, B- vs. Dolphins, D at Jets, D at Saints
C+ vs. Vikings, A vs. Packers, D vs. Buccaneers, B- at Falcons
An obvious weakness one year ago, the defensive secondary has improved their overall play but remains a liability given the impressive efforts elsewhere on the field. The Panthers secondary has benefited from a great pass rush, but given time in the pocket, opposing quarterbacks remain capable of picking this unit apart.
On the outside, James Bradberry has locked himself into the starting role while Daryl Worley’s late season emergence has seen his playing time increase over Kevon Seymour, with whom he previously shared the role.
Captain Munnerlyn returned to Carolina but was met with unexpected circumstances leading to an inactive status for one game and a recent lack of production. Stemming from his lack of playing time in the first meeting with New Orleans, it will be interesting to see if he is relied upon for the playoffs.
Special Teams: 84, B
B- at 49ers, A vs. Bills, B- vs. Saints, B- at Patriots
C- at Lions, B+ vs. Eagles, B at Bears, A at Bucs
A- vs. Falcons, B vs. Dolphins, A- at Jets, F at Saints
A vs. Vikings, C vs. Packers, A- vs. Buccaneers, B at Falcons
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Both kicker Graham Gano and punter Michael Palardy concluded extremely impressive regular seasons. Each entered training camp without the assurance of a job and both capitalized on the opportunity.
Carolina also recorded their first punt and kickoff return for touchdowns in a few seasons. Wide receiver Kaelin Clay provided a spark in New York before Damiere Byrd set a franchise record with a 103-yard kickoff return, scored in Week 16 versus Tampa Bay.
These two occurrences were unfortunately anomalies as both return units struggled for a majority of the season. Rotating between rookie running back Christian McCaffrey, Kaelin Clay, Fozzy Whittaker, Damiere Byrd and Curtis Samuel it appears Clay and Whittaker earned their positions by process of elimination as opposed to performance.
Next: Final Regular Season Grades - Offense
Defensively, Carolina enjoyed a far more consistent year than their offensive counterparts as the Panthers unit has proven capable of carrying the team more often than not.